About Paula

Having grown up in Taupo, Paula has lived in Auckland since 1992, first in the North Shore and now in West Auckland.

She became a Minister of the Crown in 2008 after being elected to Parliament in 2005.She became MP for Upper Harbour in 2014 with a majority of close to 9,000 votes, after having served as MP for Waitakere for six years.

Upon National taking office in 2008, Paula was made Minister of Social Development, a role she held for six years. The positive impact she’s been able to make in the lives of our most vulnerable is one of the highlights of her career so far.

Now ranked number two in Cabinet, in December 2016 Paula was appointed as Deputy Leader of the National Party and is the Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand. She is also the Minister for Climate Change Issues, Minister of Police, Minister of State Services, Minister of Tourism, and Minister for Women.

Her five portfolios, along with being the Deputy Prime Minister gives her influence across Government to focus on making sure Government delivers real results for all New Zealanders.